Under 5 feet of water in the New Year's Eve 2005 flood, San Anselmo in
Marin County is more fully alive than ever -- revived as a complete small town and the self-appointed "antiques capital of Northern California" (buttressed by similar accolades from Sunset Magazine). Plus, we are talking really really friendly and with small unique restaurants of impeccable quality, trust me (and see below). For directions, cross the Golden Gate Bridge going north up Hwy. 101 to the Central San Rafael exit and follow the signs west along 3rd Street toward San Anselmo.
Here we spend a couple of hours -- strolling from town square past the hobby shop and barber shop to coffee bars, funky shops and one independent bookstore -- then hearing Sunday afternoon blues in the park. What more, besides casual but high-quality eating, upscale consignment clothing, chocolate to die for and fabulous retro-kitsch shopping could a womantraveler ask for in just a few blocks?
Here are the best finds...
Antiques: more than 110 dealers in four collectives and 25 smaller shops, including familiar East Coast Yankee and Midwest finds to Western Craftsmen styles.
Books: Whyte's Booksmith (415.459.7323) -- always a smart used rack for children and adults out front.
Consignment clothing: Sax's (415.456.7655) is our choice (brand new/once-worn Michael Stars' tanks for $20 resulted from a recent foray).
Gifts: The Pink Geranium (415.456.9284) is our favorite but others include Italian ceramics, homestyle design, flowers and shopping for the upscale dog.
Retro chic: Vintage Flamingo has a truly unique and entertaining eye with a fabulous collection of contemporary women's and men's hats and terrific kitsch -- Elvis, I Love Lucy, Betty Boop, chrome toasters and more stuff from the '40s, '50s and '60s, plus some contempo skirts and tanks.
Restos hot pix:
- Bistro 330 (delicious French)
- Chocolat -- the piece de resistance on important occasions
- Comforts Cafe (lattes, breakfast, lunch, and takeout) -- the best Chinese Chicken Salad anywhere and the scene for breakfast and lunch
- Debbie Does Dessert (and lunch) -- often with jazz on the outdoor deck
- Insalata's -- classy upscale cuisine and wonderful service
- Taco Jane's -- smokey black gold salsa, fresh fish tacos, Mateo polenta cake and bright crayon-color decor, who would want Yucatan/Cuban/California-inspired food anywhere else?